Colored Pencils Inspired by Japanese Flowers Shed “Petals” as You Sharpen Them

Inspired by Japan’s native flora, designer Toshihiro Otomo has created colored pencils that shed delicate “petals” when sharpened. Perfect for fans of flowers and fun office supplies alike, these plant-inspired pencils are the perfect way to spruce up your stationery.

With nature as his muse, Otomo modeled the pencils after four types of traditional Japanese flowers: bellflowers, dandelions, red plums, and cherry blossoms. In addition to these blooms, he also paid homage to the evergreen, a tree rooted in ancient Shinto symbolism. The writing implements represent these revered plants through color (in both the core’s pigment and the vivid encasing), as well as shape, setting them apart from conventionally round colored pencils.

While the writing utensils’ striking silhouettes are eye-catching, it is their shavings that unexpectedly steal the show. When sharpened, each pencil produces petal-like ephemera, making the playful product even more whimsical. Additionally, each instrument is crafted from recycled paper pulp, resulting in a design that’s as eco-friendly as it is exquisite. This is one pencil you’re never going to want to stop sharpening!